Return of PIA to UK Airspace a Victory for Pakistan, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hailed the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the United Kingdom as a significant victory for the country.
In a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude, saying, “Alhamdulillah! PIA has returned to British airspace. With the restoration of Pakistan’s international flights to the UK, Pakistan stands victorious.”
He criticized the former PTI minister for issuing an “irresponsible and destructive statement” that severely damaged Pakistan’s reputation and led to a four-year ban on PIA operations in the UK and Europe. “That reckless comment caused tremendous harm to our national airline and country’s image,” he added.
Alhamdulillah! PIA returns to UK skies 🇵🇰✈️
Grateful to Allah Almighty as Pakistan stands vindicated with the restoration of our airlines operations to the United Kingdom. The reckless and irresponsible statements made by PTI members caused irreparable reputational damage to…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 16, 2025
PM Shehbaz stated that the return of PIA flights would reconnect the 1.5 million Pakistani diaspora living in the UK with their homeland and enhance ties between the two countries. “This development will also boost trade and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and the United Kingdom,” he said.
The Prime Minister extended congratulations to the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Aviation Division, and all stakeholders involved in achieving this milestone.
